Our interviewee for this session is no stranger to most of our listeners, Dr. Jim Berg. Dr. Berg teaches at Bob Jones Seminary, where he held many teaching and administrative positions through his career. I recall many years ago taking an early morning class from him, we talk about it in the video. There have been many other points where our lives connected. He has been a life-long blessing to me.

Dr. Berg contributed an article in our recent FrontLine which is on the theme "The Self-Deception of Substance Abuse." Dr. Berg's article is an excerpt from his book Overcoming Your Addictions God’s Way. I think you will find the article helpful.

As we discussed the article, we talked about ministry with those addicted to substances and various problem behaviors. The thing folks like this need is simply thoroughgoing Christian discipleship. They need someone to come alongside them and show them the way out of their troubles.

Really, this is what Christian ministry is all about. Some people who have let their lives get out of control may seem "very far gone" to us, and super hard to reach. The fact is, there are respectable sinners who might be even harder to reach. The thing everyone needs is a personal relationship with Christ that grows more and more like Christ to the point where we are able to pass on our faith to other people. That's what we all need, whether we are struggling with addictions or not.

In any case, I think you will find our conversation enlightening and helpful. Dr. Berg is very thoughtful and has had years of ministry experience. I came away from doing the interview learning a couple of things I hadn't thought of before. I think you will find the same thing.

Dr. Berg's article is available on our Substack right away for paying subscribers. We have previews for everyone else. I hope you will join with us and support the ministry of the FBFI by becoming a paying subscriber and subscribe to FrontLine magazine.

Article Links:

Dr. Berg’s article: God’s Way to Overcome Your Addictions

P&D FrontLine introductory article: : FrontLine: The Self-Deception of Substance Abuse – Proclaim & Defend

Other resources:

Freedom that Lasts

Jim Berg main site

Changed into His Image

Quieting a Noisy Soul and Taking Time to Quiet Your Soul (workbook)

Get full access to the Proclaim & Defend Podcast at proclaimdefend.substack.com/subscribe